Interesting that MAF and Ward were not invited, oh how the mighty have fallen.Holtby?, now that's intriguing.Big ice skating is clearly a selection factor with forwards and defenders except for an odd pic (Dion?????? a gratuitous bow to the leaves).

I would have only had Bergeron as a bubble player on my list back at the start of 2013, but you have to think he has a very good chance of making it now. I think a lot of people can say the same regarding the reigning Norris trophy winner after the season he just had.

The talking heads at Sportsnet published their predictions last week...

The verdict on Edler is in; he's suspended for two more international games. Not sure how it affects his chances of making the cut, but he'll miss the first two roundrobin games. They may decide to use him anyway. We'll see.

Rumsfeld wrote:So Per, I recently learned that the Russians have banned any "propaganda" or symbolism that promotes gay culture in Sochi.

So I have to ask... what jerseys will the Swedes wear now that the Three Clowns is clearly not an option?

I think it will all be sorted out in time for Sochi. It's really more of a lovers' spat. Vladimir is frustrated that his Brookback Putin photo shoot hasn't generated enough interest from the gay community, possibly because he looks a bit like Dooby the House Elf, and that the Vlad the Impaler nickname hasn't caught on. He feels hurt and therefor he lashes out at them.

(I actually think that that last picture may have been doctored)

Anyway, if he's still grumpy and pouting when the games begin we may attempt to humour him by adopting his favourite dress code:

Strangelove wrote: I've heard they do things in the locker room that are illegal even in Canada.

Probably the cigars, eh?

Yeah, they're not really allowed in Swedish locker rooms either, but when you win a championship you're allowed to break a few rules during the celebration.

Sweden, Finland and USA all have superior goaltending, that is undebatable (although I'm sure some of the dunce brigade around here would give it a go). If Bobrovsky is the real deal, and he certainly looks it, add Russia to that list.

FinlandRaskRinne

USAQuickSchneider

SwedenLundqvist

RussiaBobrovsky

All superior goaltenders to anybody Canada can put between the pipes. I suspect Price will have a bounceback year, he's too technically good to flail like he did last season for long. If he does, it will be between him and Luongo to take the reins for the Red and White... and my money's on Price, especially if Luongo starts the season in typical fashion.

It's a damn good thing we look so much better than everyone else at forward and defense, because I've never seen a best-on-best tournament where mighty Canada looked so weak in goal.

EDIT: Holy fuck, I forgot the Yanks have Craig Anderson as well. He still has a lot to prove but man, they are stacked in goal.

Last edited by Rumsfeld on Thu Aug 08, 2013 12:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.